: Is it possible to distort the wax seal on a toilet and thus allow seepage onto floor by over-tightening the bolts? (Obviously I am a complete idiot.) What other factors could cause distortion to the seal? Karla,Are you sure the leak is coming from the waste?? Leaks can sometimes be hard to diagnose. Check to see is the water is coming from the Tank to bowl area, water inlet area, or is splashing up onto the to tank cover and working its way down,, assuming you have a tank type toilet... Hope this helps...Rich